Well, it’s been a full year since The Tour of Britain was last here. And this year’s event did not disappoint. From the outset each stage tested the strength and determination of each team and by stage 3, they were moaning non-stop at how hard it was. So different from the 2009 event where they were moaning at how easy the race was. Seems which ever way the organiser’s take it, they just can’t win. Oh, and don’t get me started on the home-based fans. When will they get it in their silly little heads that it’s an 8 day event. This means there are not enough days to get around the whole country. In order to do that, the ToB’s event status would need to increase (to maybe even ProTour) and take in at least two weeks of racing. Maybe then each and every town and region could be visited by The Tour. But until the UCI decides otherwise, the event is going to stay an 8-day race.

Anyway, this year I was lucky enough to get an invitation to the finish in Glastonbury for the 176km stage 5. The previous day’s stage was the hardest of the 2010 Tour, so they boys legs were going to be tired in the run into Glastonbury. For the full race report for Stage 5, click here.

Now, as I had a very cosy spot right by the finish line, I tried my best to take pictures of the riders as they came by. Here’s what I managed to get:

Glastonbury stage finish for The Tour of Britain

Dean Downing from Rapha Condor Sharp

The Honda lead car coming through the finish

Marco Frapporti

Marco Frapporti

Bradley Wiggins blowing a kiss to the crowd in celebration of his second place